Gun and ammunition therefor



Oct. 16, 1923. 1,470,591*- M. F. BEI-IAR GUN AND AMMUNITION THEREFOR Filed April 20. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet l ITOR.

Oct. 16 1923.

M. F. BEHAR @un AND AMMUNITION THEREFOR Filed April 2o. 1920 4 Sheets-sheet z /f/ /fso f20 /60J A96/ #ci fof i-is? INV TOR.

Filed April 20 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVE TQR.

M. F. BEHAR GUN AND AMMUNITION THEREFOR Filed April 20. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WMM Patented Oct. 16, 1923.

UNITED ASTATES MANoL FLIX BHAR, or THE UNITED STATES Amical.`

GUN AN D AMMUNITION THEREFOR.

Application led April 20, 1920. SerialpNo. 375,370.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, MANOL FLIX B- HAR, Lieutenant, Ordnance Department, United States Army, a citizen of the United States, stationed at Daytona, Florida, have invented an Improvement in Guns and Ammunition Therefor, of which the following is a specification.

The subject of' this invention is a cartridge of the fixed ammunition type and relates more particularly to the case thereof.

The value of a firearm depends upon the degree of' probability with which, when it is properly aimed, its projectile can be relied upon to hit a desired target. It is known that in the best of firearms now manufactured, using the best ammunition obtainable, the accuracy of the barrel steadily decreases from the firing of the very first shot.

The principal causes of inaccuracy in a rifled barrel of any caliber are those conditions which produce changes either in the form of the projectile or in its normal velocity of rotation while it progresses through the bore. It is evident that such changes can be effected only by irregularities inherent in the form and dimensions of the bore and therefore loss of accuracy is due ultimately to the agencies at work roducing such irregularities. These agencles are the erosive action of the powder gases and the friction of the projectile or its band on t-he rifling. Of these two, the latter is negligible. T he accuracy life of a barrel therefore depends upon the rate at which erosion proceeds. It is known that the erosive action of the powder gases attacks the bore originally in the immediate vicinity of the seat of the projectile, thatis to say at the rear end of the bore, and that its effect in all stages is most pronounced at that point. This is because the temperature is highest there, the duration of heating is longest, but. principally because the gases can escape past the projectile until the latter has moved forward far enough to seal the bore. It is this rush under tremendous pressure ot' white hot gas and possibly also of liquids and of incandescent and yet ungasified explosive which produces erosion. Erosion takes place mainly between the mouth of the cartridge case and the sealing point and progresses alongl the bore by gradually advancing this point. As this point advances, the distance the projectile must pass over before it takes the rifling continually increases. In its passage through this eroded portion the projectile is not centered in the bore and as this distance increases the velocity acquired by the projectile when it strikes the rifiing increases. The result is that the project-ile in almost every case enters the rifling obliquely, which causes it to be deformed unsymmetrically 'and even though the projectile after leaving the eroded section passes through four-fifths or more of the bore the lands and grooves of which have remained practically unchanged, it is usually eccentric, irregular in shape and the jacket and core are no longer disposed symmetrically about the axis of rotation'. In a larger gun the velocity of the projectile when it strikes the rifiing at a certain distance may be too great for it to be rotated at all. Neither of these conditions is corrected by the projectiles passage through the remainder of the bore and either is suflicient to destroy the accuray of its subsequent Hight.

The first purpose of this invention is to provide a means of effectually preventing this escape of gas around the projectile.

In firearms using fixed ammunition another detrimental condition is the deformation of the projectile due to unavoidable clearances between the cartridge case and the chamber and between the projectile and its seat. It is manifestly impracticable to manufacture a lot, or series, of barrels of which the chambers, bullet seats and bores all have dimensions varying not more than one-thousandths of an inch. It is equally impracticable to manufacture a lot, or series, of rounds of fixed ammunition of which the outer dimensions do not vary more than onethousandt-hs of an inch. Thus in almost all firearms using fixed ammunition with the usual necked-down cartridge case, even in the most modern and carefully-made, when the cartradge is introduced into the chamber, the close fit is at the shoulder and there isfan annular space between the neck of the cartridge case and the neck of the chamber. The inevitable consequence is that upon the explosion of the powder, before the projectile begins vto move forward appreciably, the neck of the cartridge case expands up to the full diameter of the neck of the chamber and there is caused an annular space between the projectile and the neck of the cartridge case before the former has left the latter; and under the pressure of the powder gases, which iin high power modern re arms is twenty-five tons per square inch, the initial movement of the projectile is not a true motion along the axis of the bore, but consists of a series of oscillations known as wabbling or tipping, the projectile being 'thrown sidewise with great force always at least once and in most cases a number of times from the very beginning ofits forward motion iurtil it reaches the sealing point, and at the same time the powder gases are rushing past it at great speed, contributing to 'the erosive action above described.

t is a second purpose of this invention to prevent this oscillation or wabbling W ith the modern high velocity rifle or cannon, an important factor affecting accuracy is the shape of the projectile. It has been found that irregularities on the outer surface decrease the range and accuracy. ln the smaller calibers the 'cannelure around the bullet, which serves to position -it in the mouth of the cartridge case, tends not only to lessen accuracy, but, in the case of jacketed bullets, to weaken the jacket, so that ruptures sometimes occur, the rear portion of the jacket remaining in the bore. The cannelure around bullets has been found also to cause ringed bores or enlargements in the bore of the rifle barrel. Other things being equal, therefore, the ideal projectile is one with a smooth exterior surface. It has also been found that a projectile with a tapering rear portion, so that its longitudinal section somewhat resembles a boat, is the one that offers the least resistance` to the air. However, it has heretofore been found impracticableto position such projectiles accurately in the mouth of the cartridge case or at the beginning of the bore without having a rotating band, cannelure, or other irregularity on the surface of the projectile so as to form an abutment.

. It is a third purpose of this invention to provide means for holding land accurately positioning projectiles having a perfectly smooth exterior surface whether they be at based or boat tailed?? The modern high velocity powder burns progressively, that is tov say it does not develop its highest pressure at the instant of ignition but when the projectile has begun its progress'along the bore. This has many advantages, but on the other hand a disadvantage is that it prevents early upsetting of the projectile, that is to say its radial exansion upto the full diameter of the bore.

` if an instantaneous powder were used, the

geat ressur developed at the start would su cient to cause certain jacketed projectlles thus to expand and seal the bore, thereby preventing thepremature escape of gas i around them, but with the modern high veloeities a pressure sufficient to do this would j compel employing barrels and breech mechafit between the projectile and the cartridge case or the crimping of the cartridge case on the projectile.

Attempts have heretofore been made to prevent erosion, to prevent oscillation 'of the projectile at the beginning of the pro-` gress along the bore, to position the projectile accurately in the mouth of the cartridge case and to bring about the early upsetting of the projectile, which attempts in most instances consisted in a modified design of the projectile, but the result has been either a retardation ofthe flight of the projectile or a destruction of the accuracy of its travel.;

Real progress toward the solution of-the above-described problems has been rather in the more careful manufacture than in any changes of design. rIhe fits or clearances have been made smaller and smaller, but the mechanical difficulties encountered impose a certain limit beyond which the expense would be too great, and therefore while guns, rifles and cartridges manufactured now give less trouble than when high velocity powders were first used, the above described faults are still present, and the limit of manufacturing improvement has long ago been reached.

lt is a fifth purpose of this invention to permit a greater degree of tolerances in the manufacture of firearms and ammunition.

In rifles, machine guns, and guns using a charge-containing case, Athe space between the rear end of the chamber of the barrel and the front end or face of the bolt or breech block, known as head space must be filled exactly by the base This has necessitated ressure 4on or head of the charge-coioitaimng case.l

When the case is too long it is difiicult or impossible to close or lock the breech. When the case is too short the result is in most cases a rupture thereof, the front portion of the case remaining in the front of the chamber and causing a delay in the 'firing until this ruptured front portion is extracted, which is sometimes a diiicult operation. These conditions, known respectivelyfas excessive head space and insufficient head space, are found in practically all kinds and makes' of charge-containing cases even after they have passed regulate the head spacin case against a corresponding surface in the' chamber.

It is a( sixth purpose of this invention to byvmeans of the abutment of a plane sur ace n the chargecontaining case against a corresponding plane surface in the chamber, both of the plane surfaces being perpendicular to the axis of the bore. This design permits a far greater degree of manufacturing facility, a far greater degree of ease and certainty of inspection, and a far greater assurance of correct head spacing, than in the' present ty es of charge-containing cases.

ith the present type of cartrid s, reloading is attended with various di culties incident upon resizing the case and positioning the bullet,

It is a seventh purpose of this invention to do away with these reloading difficulties.

With these4 and other objects in view, the invention resides in the novel arrangement and combination of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be made within the scope of what is claimed with out departing from the spirit of the invention.

Practical embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawin s, wherein igure 1 is a fragmentary view in side elevation partly in section, of a referred form of the invention; the cartri ge being shown in the cartridge chamber of a rifle;

Figure 2 is a similar view of a modification of the invention;

Figure 3 is a similar view of a stillfurther modification;

Figures 4 and 5 are similar views of an. other modification;

Figure 6 is a similar view of a modification wherein the gas check is provided in a built-up breech;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 arev views of a modij ication wherein the gas check is provided in the neck of the cartridge case itself;

Figures 10 and 11 are views of a modification for the larger calibers of fixed ammunition, wherein means are provided, in addition to the'gas check, for strengthening the charge-containing case and for simplifying reloading.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference:-

A portion of the breech end of a rifle is indicated at 10, and inserted in the chamber thereof is the cartridge-base 11 which is formed with an integral inturned socket 12, positioned in the mouth thereof and spaced from the outer wall of the cartridge case to form an annular recess or pocket 13. A bullet or projectile 14 is held in the socket 12.

Referring to Figure 2, a fragment of the breech end of a rifle is indicated at 10, and inserted in the chamber thereof is a cartridge-case 11a having secured in the mouth thereof a socket 12a formed with 75 integral spaced-apart walls to provide an annular recess or pocket 13- The socket 12a is held in position in the mouth of the cartridge-case 11a in any suitable manner but, as herein shown, by means of an inwardly pressed annular beading 17 which abuts the rear end of the socket and an inturned lip at the mouth of the cartridge case which overlies the forward end of the socket. The projectile 14 has its rear end positioned within the inner wall of the socket 12a and is formed with a cannelure 15a adapted to receive a beading, crimping or {iange 16a formed on the socket 12", which serves to hold the bullet firmly in place.

In Figure 3, a fragment of the breech end of the rifle is indica-ted at 10b and within the chamber thereof is positioned a cartridge case 11b having a socket 12b secured in the mouth thereof and spaced 'from the walls of the cartridge-case to form the annular recess or pocket 13b. The socket may be secured in the mouth of the cartridge-case inany suitable manner but, as hereln shown, the socket is provided with a rolled portion 17'J which overlies the outwardly flared rim 18b of the mouth of the cartridge-case. Seated in the socket 12b is therear portion of a bullet or projectile 14b which is formed with a cannelure 15b adapted to receive a beading or flange 16 formed on the socket 12", which serves to hold the bullet firmly in place in the cartridge-case.

In Figure 4 is shown a fragment of the breech end of a rifle at 10c in which is positioned a cartridge-case 11 formed with an inwardly pressed beading 16c which may be held against crushing by a wire or other suitable ring 19 In the mouth of the cartridge-case is secured a socket 12c formed with integra-l spaced-apart walls to provide an anular recess or pocket 13. The socket projects beyond the end of the cartridgecase, in which it is held in place by having its rear end abut the beading 16c and the inturned lip 18c of the cartridge-case engaging an annular shoulder formed on the socket. The inner wall of the socket preferably projects into the cartridge-casing beyond the outer walls thereof and is held in suitable spaced relation thereto by means of the lugs 20c which are spaced apart annularly of the inner wall and which ena e the inwardly pressed beading 16. A u let or projectile 14 has its rear 'end held in the socket 1 2c the inner wall of the socket being suiiciently resilient to allow the curved' end of the'projectile to be inserted therein. In Figure 5 is shown a slight modification of the form shown in Figure 4." The breech end of the rifle is indicated at 10d and in the chamber thereof is inserted a cartridge-case 11d formed with an inwardly pressed annular beading 16d which may be held against crushing by a suitable wire as was shown in Figure 4c. A bushing 124 is inserted in the mouth of the cartridgecase with its inner end abutting the beading 16d. The bushing is formed at its outer end with an inturned annular ange 15d upon which is seated the outturned annular ange 17d formed with the forward end of a socket member 14d which rojects into the cartridge-caseand whiclh is spaced from the bushing 12d to form an annular recess or pocket 19. The socket membenis held in suitable spaced relation by means of lugs 20d which are spaced-apart annularly of the socket member and which abuts the beading 16". The socket member is preferably held in place by means of an inturned lip l8l formed at the mouth of the cartridge-case and overlying the flange 17d. A bullet or projectile 13d has its rear end positioned in the socket member 14", the member having suiiicient spring or resiliency to allow the rear end of theqbullet to be inserted therein.

lin practice, when the explosive in the -cartridge-case is ignited, the gases formed are trapped in the annular recess or pocket causing the outer annular walls of the socket member to expand radially and causlng the vinner wall to grip the bullet more closely thereby cutting otf escape of gases between the bullet and the socket member and also momentarily retarding expulsion of the bullet. ln .the case of a bullet having a core of soft metal, which is the usual form. now

' used for high velocities, while the bullet is momentarilv retarded, the pressure of the gases will force the soft metal of the core forwardly in the bullet jacket. expanding the same and causing the bullet to completely fill the bore and riiling of the rifle before any gascan escape past it. so that, when the bullet has left the cartridge-case and travels along the bore, no gas can escape` around it 'and erode the rifle-bore. f

In the modification shown in Figure 6 a fragment of a riie breech is indicated at 10, the breech of which is counter-bored to re' ceive a U-shaped ring 21 and a filler or liner 22 which forms a chamber for the cartridge case. The cartridge-case is indicated at 11 and it( is formed with an inwardly pressed neck adapted to grip the bullet 13.

En practice, when the cartridge is tired,

other suitable 'and by jecti e enter the annular recess in the U shaped ring 21 and constrict the ring to cause the inner wall to grip the projectile and thereby form a gasftight joint which will prevent the escape of gas beyond the" bullet into the bore. y

1n the modification shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the breech of a rifle is indicated at 10, and in the chamber thereof is inserted a cartridge case 11 formed with a neck 15t adapted to hold the projectile 14 around which it fits snugly. A sleeve IQf fits over the forward portion of the cartridge case 11 the mouth of which 16t is crimped there on 'after assembling. An annular recess or space 13t communicates with the powder space 17t by. means of several perforations 1.8t in the cartridge-case.

ln practice, when the cartridge' is fired, a portion of the powder gases passing through the apertures`18t enters the annular space 13t and causes the neck 15t to constrict the projectile leit thereby preventing the premature escape of gas into the bore.

In the modification shown in Figures 10 and 11 the charge containing case is indicated at 11g. Seated in the mouth of the cartridge-case is a socket 12g which is shaped to fit around the projectile 13lg and is formed with an outwardl turned flange 14g'. An annular space is eft between the case 11z and. socket 12g. The socket 12g is positioned longitudinally at a its flange 14g being lheld down by an inwardly-turned flange 15g at the mouth of the cartridge-case 11g, and by means of a ring 16g which abuts an inwardly-pressed beading 18g whichis held againstcrushing in any suitable manner, but as herein shown, by means of. a wire 19g or other suitable ring. The socket 12g is also kept exactl concentric with the charge containing-case y means of the rings 16g and 17g. The ring 16 has a number of apertures 20g. The space 24K between the ring 17 g and the fiange 14g is filled with a mixture of asbestos and steel wool or and at the forward end of two rings 21g and 22g.

lin practice, the shell or projectile 13jis forced down into the socket 12g, and when its tapered rearportion impinges upon the corresponding surface in 12b, the beginning of its ogive or pointed forward portion is .the forward portion ofthe socket- 125 of which, as will be seen by referring to Figure 11,'the diameter Da the diameter- D1 or D. This design, combined with the resiliency of 12g prevents the shell or projectile 13*I from accidentally falling out or starting from its position when that space are the round of ammunition is carried point` .in practice when thls down, jarred, etc. round of ammunition is red in a gun a predetermined point by gas-check pad composition,l

is smaller than portion of the powder ases passes through the apertures 20g into tie annular space 23g and causes the socket 12g to constrict the projectile 13g before the latters inertia has been overcome. T he powder gases drive the ring 17g forward thus reducing the space 24g and causing the cylindrical portion of the socket 12g to constrict the shell or projectile 13g at its cylindrical portion. rlhis modification of the invention being designed for the larger calibers in which the duration of pressure is many times greater than in the smaller calibers, it is expected that a portion of the powder gases will in practice not only drive the ring 17g forward but pass between it and the case 11g and the socket 12g into the space 24g; but this space being filled with the gas check pad composition they will tend to be checked at that point; and if not they then will be checked positively by the two rings 21g and 22g, which are pro vided in addition to the design of the anges 14;g and 15g which two flanges in the smaller calibers would be suflicient to prevent escape of gas. As the projectile starts forward, its cylindrical portion (between diameters D1 and D2) being slightly larger than the mouth of the socket 12g an additional means is thus provided for preventing the premature escape of gas. When the round has been fired, the forward opening or mouth of the socket 12g returns to its ori 'nal diameter D3 owing to the resiliency o the socket 12g.

Having described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A cartridge, embodying a case, an annular pocket formed at the mouth of the case and opening thereinto and a projectile seated within. the inner wall of the pocket whereby gas is trapped to cause the inner wall to grip the projectile to slightly delay expulsion of the projectile from the case.

2. A cartridge, embodying a case and an annular pocket formed at the mouth of the case and opening thereinto whereby gas is entrapped upon explosion of a powder charge in the case.

3. A cartridge, embodying a case and an annular pocket positioned at the mouth of the case and forming a part thereof for the entrapment of gas, the inner wall of said pocket forming a seat for a projectile.

MANOL FLIX BHAR. 

